Why Consider Sedation Therapy?

According to the UK website Dental Phobia, 7-13% of adults in western countries fear going to the dentist. While it’s normal to feel a little anxious when undergoing a medical procedure, studies show that many Americans let fear prevent them from scheduling much-needed dental and periodontal work.

If fear is preventing you from undergoing periodontal treatments to protect your dental health—or create your dream smile—you may want to consider IV sedation therapy. Not only can sedation help you relax and feel more comfortable during a procedure, but it also enables board-certified periodontists like Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky to achieve higher quality treatment in less time. Learn more about the benefits of undergoing IV sedation therapy at the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV sedation therapy involves the intravenous administration of a sedative to help patients relax during dental and periodontal procedures. Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky are the only two board-certified periodontists in Brentwood, and their practice is one of just a handful to offer IV sedation for periodontal work.

Before you undergo sedation, Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky will take a thorough medical history. You should inform them of any medications you are taking at this time. Once your procedure has been scheduled, Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky will give you pre-operative instructions. In most cases, you cannot eat or drink for eight hours before undergoing sedation.

On the day of your procedure, you will lie back in a chair while Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky places the needle in either your hand or elbow. Although many patients are anxious about having an IV, the needle is actually quite small and you should feel only a slight pinch when it’s inserted. Administering the sedative intravenously allows Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky to adjust your medication throughout the procedure and to ensure that you are completely pain-free and comfortable at all times.

Pain-Free, Relaxing Periodontal Treatments

While you will not be asleep during your periodontal treatment, you will be completely relaxed and free from pain. Although you will be able to breathe on your own and respond to verbal cues from Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky, you will not be overly aware of sights and sounds from around the office. The benefits of IV sedation continue into the post-operative period. Due to the presence of the painkillers and your body’s relaxed state from sedation, you will experience less pain and discomfort immediately following surgery than a patient who did not undergo sedation.

The day after your treatment, you will remember little of the procedure. However, you will be happy with your beautiful periodontal results!

High-Quality Periodontal Work

Making your dental experience a more pleasant one is not the only reason to consider sedation. In fact, sedation therapy may enable periodontists to perform procedures with increased precision and quality in less time. For patients with a strong gag reflex or an inability to sit for long periods without fidgeting, sedation can help you relax while Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky works. With sedation, your dental work will be accomplished quickly and accurately with a minimum of discomfort.

Contact the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy

Both educators at the USC School of Dentistry, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky possess advanced training in all areas of periodontal and implant dentistry. They are committed to providing all of their patients with safe, comfortable and relaxing experiences and beautiful results. If you’re interested in IV sedation for an upcoming periodontal procedure, feel free to contact Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky for a consultation by calling (310) 826-8242 or schedule an appointment online.

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